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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A deal has been confirmed that will see Metalysis, the Rotherham-based innovator, take space on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) to create a process facility for its patented low-cost way to manufacture titanium and other specialist powder metals.

The Manvers company employs around 50 staff and is in the process of commercialising the technology to produce titanium, tantalum, and related high value alloys. These are used increasingly by major worldwide industries such as aerospace, marine, medical, chemical, automotive and electronics.

The company, an investor and grant-backed Cambridge University spin out, recently secured £20m as it sets out plans for an initial public offering (IPO) to float on the stock exchange.

Rothbiz revealed in April that the company was planning to take Unit 4 of the popular R-evolution development, joining Boeing, Rolls Royce, the University of Sheffield, Castings Technology International (CTI), Dormer Tools, Sandvik Coromant and TWI on the UK's premier advanced manufacturing park.

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Now property consultancy Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has confirmed that it has secured the deal on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC). CPP was joint agent with Colliers on the deal.

The 22,000 sq ft unit was created following the signing a £4.3m forward-purchase agreement between landowners and developers, Harworth Estates and Rotherham Council in 2014.

Ed Norris, partner at CPP, said: "This is a significant deal for our client RMBC and great news for the local and regional economy here in South Yorkshire.

"The AMP, ideally situated in the heart of the UK, is designed to accommodate specialist advanced engineering and manufacturing companies and we are very proud to see it fast becoming the UK centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing.

"Unsurprisingly demand for space in the park continues to remain very strong, and as a result commands the highest capital values in the region."

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, at Rotherham Council, added:: "Rotherham is continually evolving, attracting world class investment and growing its manufacturing base by providing quality commercial opportunities for the people and businesses of the borough.

"From our award-winning business centres to the UK's Premier Advanced Manufacturing Park, businesses are choosing to come to a borough that is totally committed to manufacturing."

The Metalysis technology, which produces metal powder directly from oxide using electrolysis, has the potential to significantly increase production volumes. The process uses less energy and also means that innovative alloys can be tailored to have the desired properties for specific applications.

High grade and uniform, the lower-cost powders suit a wide variety of 3D printing needs across a variety of high-tech, industrial and manufacturing sectors. For example, further to the 3D printing of aerospace and automotive components, Metalysis has recently completed a programme with TWI, a UK leader in materials technology innovation that has a base on the AMP in Rotherham, which demonstrated the feasibility of its bespoke powders for 3D printing orthopaedic hip implants.

Metalysis is also working on major development projects with aerospace experts, GKN and German car maker, VW.

Around 20 people are initially set to be based at the new process site, with plans to double this number over time.